Underage Drinking

The Facts on Underage Drinking in America

Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs and is responsible for more than 4,300 annual deaths among underage youth. Underage drinking attracts many developing adolescents and teens; they often don’t realize the damaging effects drinking can have on their own lives.

The facts:

People aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States (CDC).

In the past 30 days, 26.4% of underage persons (ages 12-20) used alcohol, and binge drinking among the same age group was 17.4%. (SAMHSA)

Alcohol use remains extremely widespread among today’s teenagers. Nearly three quarters of students (72%) have consumed alcohol (more than just a few sips) by the end of high school, and more than a third (37%) have done so by eighth grade (NIDA)

Underage drinking is associated with school problems, such as higher absence and poor or failing grades. Social problems, such as fighting and lack of participation in youth activities and a higher risk for physical and sexual assault, suicide and homicide.

Underage Drinking

http://mcp-media.s3.amazonaws.com/captures/2A8/B03/2A8B03FC2B45489F8190168FD1F52A57.mp4 Nearly half of kids between the ages of 12 and 14 who drink get their alcohol from their family or at home, according to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). To ensure Saratoga communities are educated and empowered to address underage drinking in a critical way-removing accessRead More

March 17, 2016 Featured on TWC News Links to video can be found here: http://www.twcnews.com/nys/capital-region/news/2016/03/17/saratoga-springs-new-york-students-learn-about-social-media-safety.html?cid=facebook_YNN-Albany Saratoga Springs students took the day off to learn how to use social media safely and wisely. More than 250 students attended the Safe Spring Student Leadership Conference at Skidmore College Thursday. Organized by the Saratoga County Prevention Council, the conferenceRead More

March 18, 2016 Seen in: The Saratogian Story by: Jennie Grey Link to full article found here: http://www.saratogian.com/social-affairs/20160318/conference-educates-students-of-important-prevention-techniques March 17 heralded the Prevention Council’s 34th annual Safe Spring Student Leadership Conference, held at Skidmore College for high-school students. The goal of the conference, sponsored by Saratoga County Stop DWI, was to motivate and prepare studentRead More